The family of Jun Lin, the Concordia student allegedly killed and dismembered by Luka Rocco Magnotta, say their son’s murder was not only “a tragic loss (and) a devastating attack to our family, but also has had a tremendous impact on the whole society.”

Lin’s family, who travelled from China to Montreal last week, gave a statement through Concordia University, painting a picture of a helpful, kind son, and a person who trusted other people.

“Jun Lin was our beloved son. As the only son in the family, he was our pride and hope. Jun Lin believed in Buddhism. He was very kind and always enjoyed helping others. To his parents, he was a loving and considerate son,” their statement read.

“To his sister, he was a big brother who was always there for her. The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at Concordia University told us he was an excellent student. His employer at the convenience store he worked at called him a model employee. His friends said he was optimistic, ambitious, and open-minded.

Lin, 33, was killed in Montreal in late May. His torso was found in the garbage in Montreal and some of his body parts were mailed to political offices in Ottawa. Some body parts remain missing, including his head, although a hand and foot delivered to schools in Vancouver are believed to belong to him. Montreal police said DNA testing was being done last week, but have yet to make the results public.

Police say a video available online shows violence being done to him and indignities to his body by another man.

Magnotta, 29, was arrested in Berlin a week later after a short international manhunt. He is not fighting extradition currently and is expected in Canada by the end of the month.

The Lins do not mention Magnotta by name but called for “the murderer suspect” to be returned to Canada as soon as possible to face “justice.”

The Lin family are not ready to do media interviews, Concordia said.

‘He always trusted people with a positive approach to life’

The Lin’s statement says they have been touched by the help from both the Canadian and Chinese governments, the university and student groups.

“We are deeply touched by the kindness inspired by this human tragedy,” they said.

“Love and trust must be rebuilt.”

The Lins also thanked Concordia for creating the Jun Lin Family Fund to help them with the financial burden of travelling to Montreal.